Philadelphia man who robbed banks in Plymouth, Lower Merion headed to state prison

COURTHOUSE — A Philadelphia man showed no emotion upon learning he’s headed to state prison for robbing banks in Plymouth and Lower Merion, crimes that prosecutors say “terrorized” the tellers.

Omar Nash Muse, 30, of the 2400 block of North Colorado Street, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court on Friday to three-to-seven years in a state correctional facility after he pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery in connection with the October 2012 bank heists.

Judge Carolyn T. Carluccio, who accepted a plea agreement in the case, also ordered Muse to pay $1,411 in restitution to Wells Fargo Bank on North Bryn Mawr Avenue in Lower Merion and $8,350 to the TD Bank on Ridge Pike in Plymouth, the two banks targeted by Muse.

Assistant District Attorney Lindsay O’Brien sought a state prison term against Muse, citing the seriousness of the crimes.

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“The tellers in both of these cases were terrorized by the defendant’s conduct,” argued O’Brien, referring to the demand notes for money Muse presented to the tellers during the robberies. “In one note he actually threatened harm.”

No weapon was ever displayed during the robberies but O’Brien alleged the tellers were frightened nonetheless, not knowing if Muse would actually lash out at them in some way.

During the Oct. 12 robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank at 52 N. Bryn Mawr Ave. Muse handed a female teller a note that read, “Put the money on the counter. I don’t wanna (sic) hurt you but I will,” according to the arrest affidavit filed by Lower Merion Detective George Ohrin. The teller, who gave Muse the money in her cash drawer, told police she became “fearful” during the robbery.

Two days later, 12:47 p.m. Oct. 14, Muse entered the TD Bank at 502 Ridge Pike in Plymouth and presented a female teller with a note that read, “Put money on counter Big Bills 1st,” according to the arrest affidavit filed by Plymouth Detective David Phillips. Muse also said to the teller, “I want big bills. I’m not playing,” according to the criminal complaint.

As the Plymouth teller was handing over money from her cash drawer, Muse allegedly stated, “I want those twenties and I want those tens too,” police alleged.

Defense lawyer Sharon Meisler said Muse is remorseful and wanted to accept responsibility for his conduct.

“He’s very upset about this,” Meisler said.

With the help of video surveillance authorities developed Muse as a suspect in the robberies. Police received several tips from the public that Muse was the suspect in the surveillance photos that were publicized, court documents indicate.

Muse voluntarily turned himself in to Philadelphia police on Oct. 15 after both robberies were reported to local media outlets, according to arrest documents. Muse claimed responsibility for both robberies, police said.

Other charges of theft by unlawful taking, terroristic threats and receiving stolen property were dismissed against Muse as part of the plea agreement.